IELTS Academic Writing Task 1
Describing Maps
Watch the video on how to describe maps.
Maps (Past to Present)
Overview
For 2 maps showing changes from past to present, you should make a general statement to describe the overall changes to the location along with the most noticeable or biggest change.
Main Features
Because maps tend to contain a lot of information, you need to carefully select the main features. The biggest or most noticeable changes should be described first, then the second greatest. You can also compare these to features that have not changed or barely changed.
Sample Answer
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
The diagram below shows the changes to the town of Seaville.
Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Write at least 150 words
The maps show the redevelopment of the town of Seaville from 1995 until the present day. Overall, the town has changed considerably, especially with the development of the leisure facilities in the north east.
The most noticeable change to Seaville since 1995 is the construction of a golf course and tennis courts, that have replaced the forest park and agricultural area. Another striking difference is the reconstruction of the sea front, in the south, that includes the complete demolition of the fishing port. Additionally, and fish market, in the south west, has been replaced with apartments. The cafe however, located in the south east, has remained untouched.
All the retail facilities, specifically the shops, in the southwest have been converted into restaurants but the hotel has remained and has added a car park to the east of the building. The residential facilities in the north west have expanded with a few additional housing units being added to the existing ones.
160 words
IELTS Academic Writing Task 1
Maps (Present to Future)
Overview
For 2 maps showing the proposed changes or redevelopment to a location you should make a general statement to describe the overall changes along with the most noticeable or biggest change.
Main Features
Because maps tend to contain a lot of information, you need to carefully select the main features. The biggest or most noticeable planned changes should be described first, then the second greatest. You can also compare these to features that will remain unchanged.
Sample Answer
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
The diagram below shows the proposed changes to an office building.
Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.
Write at least 150 words
Illustrated in the maps are existing structure and planned renovation of an office complex. Overall, extensive changes are proposed particularly regarding the re-development of the grass areas at either side of the building.
The grass area, currently located on the right of the building, will be changed to a meeting area and the WCs are proposed to be moved from its present location to the back right of the new complex. On the opposite side, the grass will be converted into a seating area. Additionally, another significant change is the relocation of the entrance from the right side to the center of the building.
In the central interior, the four small offices at the front will be remodeled into two larger ones located on either side of the entrance. Furthermore, the canteen and kitchen at the rear are planned to be renovated into additional offices and a coffee machine will be installed next to the WCs while the only room to remain unchanged will be the storeroom.
167 words
IELTS Academic Writing Task 1
Single Map
Illustrated in the map are the sites under consideration by the local council as the location for a new shopping mall in Foxfield. Overall, there are two proposed locations with S1 in the north and S2 in the south east of the town.
The S1 site, just north of the city centre, is very close to the main housing estate which means that it would be easy to access for the residents. Additionally, it is located between the main road and railway line which would provide access for non-residents of the town. Furthermore, it is west of the river which would mean a picturesque location.
In comparison, the alternative site, S2 south west of the city centre, is located closer to the main road and railway line thus offering access to those using these forms of transport. It is, however, next to the large industrial area which could raise issues of air pollution and is considerably further from the town’s residential area than S1.
164 words
Task Requirements
Single maps usually show plans to develop new facilities with a choice of locations. There is usually a choice of two proposed sites to build on. The task requires you to report on the positives and negatives of each proposed site. You are not required to recommend which one is more suitable.
Overview
For the overview for a single map, describe what is proposed to be built and their locations on the map.
Main Features
For the main features, include the positives and negatives of each proposed site. Include locations and what is nearby.
Sample Answer
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
The local council of Foxfield town plan to build a new shopping mall and two possible sites, S1 and S2, are being considered.
Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.
Write at least 150 words
IELTS Academic Writing Task 1
Maps (Past)
Overview
For 2 maps showing changes in the past, you should make a general statement to describe the overall changes to the location along with the most noticeable or biggest change.
Main Features
Because maps tend to contain a lot of information, you need to carefully select the main features. The biggest or most noticeable changes should be described first, then the second greatest. You can also compare these to features that have not changed or barely changed.
Sample Answer
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
The two maps below show road access to a city hospital in 2007 and in 2010.
Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.
Write at least 150 words
The redevelopment of the road system at a hospital in the city, over a three-year period, is illustrated in the diagrams. Overall, the transport infrastructure was significantly reconstructed, especially with the expansion of parking facilities.
In 2007 there was a singular car park, east of Hospital Road, which served hospital employees and the public. By 2010, however, this was restricted to staff only while additional parking for the public was opened to the east of the main hospital building. Access for vehicles to and from the hospital was considerably transformed with the construction of two roundabouts north and south of Hospital Road.
Another major transformation was the improvement in public transport facilities at the hospital complex. Specifically, the six bus stops that were located on Hospital Road were removed and a large bus station was built to the south-east of the hospital that was connected to the two new roundabouts.
150 words